005 Organic Bergamot essential oil from Italy

bergamot essential oil Bergamot (Citrus aur. bergamia) is a mutation of the sour orange and not a hybrid. In 1600, French perfumers started using Bergamot to enliven fragrances, particularly eau de cologne. It is foremost traditionally considered a miraculous neuro-tonic and a powerful helper against depression caused by fatigue or unreleased tensions and frustrations.

Botanical Name: Citrus aur. bergamia
Common Method Of Extraction: Cold expression, vacuum distillation, and in some cases steam distilled
Parts Used: Peel of the ripe fruit
Note Classification: Top
Aroma: Citrus spice with a high floral note
Largest Producing Countries: Italy, California, and Mediterranean countries
Traditional Use: The oil has been used in Italian folk medicine for many years, primarily for fever (including malaria) and worms. It is used to impart a delightful flavor and distinctive aroma to Earl Grey tea.
Properties: Analgesic, anthelmintic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, deodorant, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, laxative, parasiticide, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge, and vulnerary.
Benefits: Abscess (cold), acne, anxiety, boils, bronchitis, cancer (uterine), carbuncles, cold sores, colds, colic, cystitis, depression, diphtheria, dyspepsia, eczema, fevers, flatulence, flu, gall stones, glossitis, gonorrhea, halitosis, herpes, infections, insect repellant and insect bites, intestinal parasites, leucorrhoea, loss of appetite, nervous tension, oily complexion, psoriasis, respiratory tract infections, sore throat, thrush, vaginal pruitis, and varicose veins.
Blends Well With: Almost all essential oils, including: black pepper, chamomile, clary sage, coriander, cypress, frankincense, geranium, helichrysum, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, mandarin, melissa, neroli, nutmeg, orange, rosemary, sandalwood, vetiver, violet, ylang ylang.
Safety Data: Avoid in cases of liver problems. Not for use when pregnant or nursing. Possible skin irritant - dilute well. If not specified bergapten-free it may cause photosensitivity (the Bergamot offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is Bergapten free).

General Guidelines for safe use of essential oils

Be an experienced and knowledgeable user of essential oils and research all oils thoroughly and/or consult with a skilled practitioner before any use.

Dilute all oils being used with a vegetable carrier oil. Skin test all essential oils before using topically. Each person's body is different, so apply oils to a small area first. The inside of the arm is good for this. The bottoms of the feet are two of the safest, most affective places to use essential oils. Discontinue use or dilute further with vegetable oil if there is discomfort or skin irritation.

Keep essential oils out of the reach of children. Treat them as you would any product with therapeutic uses. Take special precaution with babies, pregnant women and anyone and everyone with allergies, special conditions and needs.

Keep essential oils away from mucous membranes and the eye area and do not put into ears. Do not handle contact lenses or rub eyes with essential oils on fingers. Know also that many of the citrus oils and others may cause a rash or darker pigmentation if applied to skin exposed to direct sunlight or UV rays within 3 to 4 days of use.

Keep bottles of essential oils tightly closed and store them in a cool location away from light. If stored properly, essential oils will maintain their potency for many years.